Participating in ICV

Who can volunteer?

ICVolunteers is open to all people regardless of race, nationality, religion, sex, education or physical ability.

For legal reasons, we require written authorization from a parent or legal guardian for volunteers under 18 years old.

What does ICVolunteers offer?

Volunteering is a way to get involved in projects and to contribute to major international events. For many people, volunteering is a way to express solidarity. Through volunteering, you can meet new people and build contacts.

At the beginning of every major project, we organize an information / training session for volunteers. The training includes both technical information related to volunteer activities and a general introduction to the subject of the conference or event. Volunteers are required to attend the training. We reserve the right to bar admission for Volunteers who are not adequately trained.

Normally, we provide a Volunteer T-shirt and Volunteer Badge, which must be worn at all times, during the actual conference.

Generally, lunches and coffee breaks as well as low cost or free lodging are provided.

If desired, volunteers receive a certificate of participation at the end of a project.

Once you register with ICVolunteers, we will send you regular updates on upcoming projects. Once you decide to sign up for one, we will send you specific information related to the project.

What does ICVolunteers NOT offer?

We cannot pay volunteers. Volunteers provide assistance on the condition that they are not financially compensated for their time. Expenses (transportation, etc.) may be paid on prior agreement only (see below).

What does ICVolunteers expect from Volunteers?

Volunteers are asked to indicate their availability prior to a project. We will elaborate our schedules according to the Volunteers' availability. Once a Volunteer commits to participate in a project, s/he has a moral obligation to do so. Volunteers must contact us to let us know any changes of availability prior to the event, so a replacement can be found.

We reserve the right to dismiss Volunteers if we feel they are disruptive.

Your volunteering with ICVolunteers indicates that you are in agreement with this document. Before you can begin volunteering, we will ask you to sign a copy.

What about visas, travel expenses and lodging?

Unless otherwise stated, volunteers are generally responsible for their own visas and travel expenses. As mentioned above, lunches and coffee breaks as well as low cost or free lodging are generally provided.

Insurance is volunteers' own responsibility. Under no circumstances can volunteers hold ICVolunteers responsible in case of damage, injury or accident while volunteering with ICVolunteers.

Conferences are busy and often hectic events. We urge Volunteers to carefully watch their personal belongings. ICVolunteers cannot be held responsible for lost or stolen items.

I am volunteering -- why do I have to pay for my trip?

ICVolunteers' projects are based on the principle of sharing expenses. This means that the organizers of a conference generally pay for the food, training, and accommodation. On the other hand, volunteers pay for their flights and visa expenses. Especially for large conferences, it is simply not feasible to cover 100% of the volunteers' expenses.

How can I Volunteer?

We will send you regular updates on upcoming projects. Once you decide to sign up for one, we will send you specific information related to the project. We provide an easy-to-access online registration form. For those without Internet access, we are happy to mail registration forms.